LA PREMIERE
28/09/18
A FAMILY DAY OUT NEW
LET'S UNITE TO MAKE A CHANGE
website
review by Benjamin Newall
photos: Casey Long
Review on “Let’s Unite To Make a Change”
Written By Benjamin Newall and Casey Long
Family Day Out "Let's Unite To Make A Change" and Advanced screening of “Christopher Robin” was organised by Arzum Caglayancay, who is a finalist of the 2018 Mrs Australia Globe. Arzum is a born and raised Melbournian of 31years and is giving her support for ‘Project Karma’ and ‘Life-line’ as the charity for this event and her title reign
Arzum chose these charities from her own experience of hard time, having dealt with both extensive bullying and depression as well as several suicide attempts. Arzum knows what it feels like to be at the very bottom and is doing her best to make sure there is always help available to others in the same position, and that they are not alone.
The main reason Arzum has decided to be a part of the 2018 Mrs Australia Globe, is to be a voice and use her privileges to continue to be a public servant, to all people from all walks of life. She lives by her saying and refers to everyday;
Never judge a soul, lend a hand where you can, pick up someone who has fallen, and unify. Unity and People power cannot be purchased but felt within your heart and soul, then comes the changes we all thought were never possible.”
.Arzum has teamed up with Village Cinemas to hold the event “Lets unite to make a change” Village Cinemas have supported and provided exceptional service throughout her journey.
“Christopher Robin” Film Review
Written by Benjamin Newall and Casey Long
The history of Winnie the Pooh spans more than a 100 years leading to the most recent live action adaption of the beloved character and story in the movie “Christopher Robin”.
The original concept for Winnie comes from the story of “a small bear brought by a man called Harry Colebourn. Colebourn bought a small bear cub for $20 and called it Winniepeg after his home town. He was a soldier who was called to defend the front in 1914. Unable to take the bear with him, he took her to London Zoo.
The Author of Winnie the Pooh A.A. Milne constantly took his son Christopher Robin Milne to London zoo to feed and hug Winnie. Christopher was so fond of the bear he changed his teddy’s name from ‘Edward’ to ‘Winnie the Pooh’ after the bear and a swan he fed at the zoo too. ‘Winnie the Pooh’, the character, was then first bought to life in 1924 in a book called ‘When We Were Very Young’. This was shortly followed by a volume of stories called ‘Winnie the Pooh’ in 1926. Both the author and the bear’s original owner fought in the first world war. The pleasant acres of the 100 Acre Woods were a welcomed change from the horror they had seen in war, along with all their readers.
In 1966 Pooh was brought to life on our screens for the first time, by Walt Disney, due to his daughter being a massive fan of the Winnie the Pooh books. In 1977 Poohs first feature length film was published. Fast forward 41years and we have the movie “Christopher Robin”. Staring Ewan McGregor as our grownup Christopher Robin and directed by Marc Forster, the same director as Finding Neverland (2004).
“Christopher Robin” is the story of what happens when you grow up and grow apart from his childish beliefs. He now has a wife, daughter, demanding job, and all the pressures that come along with these. Between trying to find the work-life balance, Christopher finds himself pushing his daughter away and closing her imagination off. An unexpected visit from Pooh, triggers a memory recall in him. Although his return to the innovative boy he once was is gradual, with Pooh’s help (and the rest of his friends) he is able to be the Christopher Robin that fights Heffalumps and bounce with Tigger.
Christopher’s transition through the movie and the nature of the character from the uptight business man to the child in all of us, is a very well-done journey full of laughs, smiles and at times embarrassment. McGregor’s ability to play so many different age ranges all with their own accompanying struggles and emotional traits is superb.
Now don’t get me wrong, turning stuff toys into a live action characters had the potential to look really bad, but the visual animation on this movie is something worth seeing just on its own. All the characters from the bouncing energetic Tigger, to the shy quite Piglet right to the loveable head of the group we all want to hug, Winnie the Pooh. These characters are presented with emotion, body language and facial expressions far above what I have seen in movies before. They stuck very closely to the original illustrations in A.A. Mile’s books from the early 1900s capturing the classic image of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. The style and colouring depicts them as older well loved childhood toys.
Throughout the film there are perfect moments designed to tug on your heart strings and make you remember what it was like when you were a kid. One of the best examples of this is when Pooh asks for a red balloon at the station with Christopher Robin and is told he does not need it. Pooh simply responds “It would make me very happy to have a red Balloon” This is the prime example of Poohs loveable qualities of being simple minded, content and surprisingly wise for “A bear with very little brain” Poohs words not mine.
All in all this was a wonderful movie for those who have grown up with Winnie the Pooh in some way or another. Kids will enjoy it but at times may not understand it. It is designed for the adults who need to be reminded what it is to be a kid again and be reminded “Doing nothing, sometimes leads to the best something”
4 out of 5 star rating for the film.
Thoroughly enjoyable and a film the whole family can enjoy.
LET'S UNITE TO MAKE A CHANGE
website
review by Benjamin Newall
photos: Casey Long
Review on “Let’s Unite To Make a Change”
Written By Benjamin Newall and Casey Long
Family Day Out "Let's Unite To Make A Change" and Advanced screening of “Christopher Robin” was organised by Arzum Caglayancay, who is a finalist of the 2018 Mrs Australia Globe. Arzum is a born and raised Melbournian of 31years and is giving her support for ‘Project Karma’ and ‘Life-line’ as the charity for this event and her title reign
Arzum chose these charities from her own experience of hard time, having dealt with both extensive bullying and depression as well as several suicide attempts. Arzum knows what it feels like to be at the very bottom and is doing her best to make sure there is always help available to others in the same position, and that they are not alone.
The main reason Arzum has decided to be a part of the 2018 Mrs Australia Globe, is to be a voice and use her privileges to continue to be a public servant, to all people from all walks of life. She lives by her saying and refers to everyday;
Never judge a soul, lend a hand where you can, pick up someone who has fallen, and unify. Unity and People power cannot be purchased but felt within your heart and soul, then comes the changes we all thought were never possible.”
.Arzum has teamed up with Village Cinemas to hold the event “Lets unite to make a change” Village Cinemas have supported and provided exceptional service throughout her journey.
“Christopher Robin” Film Review
Written by Benjamin Newall and Casey Long
The history of Winnie the Pooh spans more than a 100 years leading to the most recent live action adaption of the beloved character and story in the movie “Christopher Robin”.
The original concept for Winnie comes from the story of “a small bear brought by a man called Harry Colebourn. Colebourn bought a small bear cub for $20 and called it Winniepeg after his home town. He was a soldier who was called to defend the front in 1914. Unable to take the bear with him, he took her to London Zoo.
The Author of Winnie the Pooh A.A. Milne constantly took his son Christopher Robin Milne to London zoo to feed and hug Winnie. Christopher was so fond of the bear he changed his teddy’s name from ‘Edward’ to ‘Winnie the Pooh’ after the bear and a swan he fed at the zoo too. ‘Winnie the Pooh’, the character, was then first bought to life in 1924 in a book called ‘When We Were Very Young’. This was shortly followed by a volume of stories called ‘Winnie the Pooh’ in 1926. Both the author and the bear’s original owner fought in the first world war. The pleasant acres of the 100 Acre Woods were a welcomed change from the horror they had seen in war, along with all their readers.
In 1966 Pooh was brought to life on our screens for the first time, by Walt Disney, due to his daughter being a massive fan of the Winnie the Pooh books. In 1977 Poohs first feature length film was published. Fast forward 41years and we have the movie “Christopher Robin”. Staring Ewan McGregor as our grownup Christopher Robin and directed by Marc Forster, the same director as Finding Neverland (2004).
“Christopher Robin” is the story of what happens when you grow up and grow apart from his childish beliefs. He now has a wife, daughter, demanding job, and all the pressures that come along with these. Between trying to find the work-life balance, Christopher finds himself pushing his daughter away and closing her imagination off. An unexpected visit from Pooh, triggers a memory recall in him. Although his return to the innovative boy he once was is gradual, with Pooh’s help (and the rest of his friends) he is able to be the Christopher Robin that fights Heffalumps and bounce with Tigger.
Christopher’s transition through the movie and the nature of the character from the uptight business man to the child in all of us, is a very well-done journey full of laughs, smiles and at times embarrassment. McGregor’s ability to play so many different age ranges all with their own accompanying struggles and emotional traits is superb.
Now don’t get me wrong, turning stuff toys into a live action characters had the potential to look really bad, but the visual animation on this movie is something worth seeing just on its own. All the characters from the bouncing energetic Tigger, to the shy quite Piglet right to the loveable head of the group we all want to hug, Winnie the Pooh. These characters are presented with emotion, body language and facial expressions far above what I have seen in movies before. They stuck very closely to the original illustrations in A.A. Mile’s books from the early 1900s capturing the classic image of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. The style and colouring depicts them as older well loved childhood toys.
Throughout the film there are perfect moments designed to tug on your heart strings and make you remember what it was like when you were a kid. One of the best examples of this is when Pooh asks for a red balloon at the station with Christopher Robin and is told he does not need it. Pooh simply responds “It would make me very happy to have a red Balloon” This is the prime example of Poohs loveable qualities of being simple minded, content and surprisingly wise for “A bear with very little brain” Poohs words not mine.
All in all this was a wonderful movie for those who have grown up with Winnie the Pooh in some way or another. Kids will enjoy it but at times may not understand it. It is designed for the adults who need to be reminded what it is to be a kid again and be reminded “Doing nothing, sometimes leads to the best something”
4 out of 5 star rating for the film.
Thoroughly enjoyable and a film the whole family can enjoy.
PRAYER BEFORE DAWN NEW
cinema nova
RATE: 9.5/10
This is one of the films that touched me somehow very deeply. I could not stop talking about it for a couple of days.
The film is for discomforting and so disturbing it is almost revolting but it is so organic and so natural for this type of the movie that after had an hour you will be glued to the screen and will not even think about leaving. You will share the hardship and the pain of the main character. It is still really hard to watch this film. The emotional pressure from the film is beyond any possible expectations: shocking is one word. You simply get filled up with violence that does not know any possible boundaries. There are just glimpses of light on the path the main character goes through. He is the young British boxer in Thailand who sins with drugs and gets caught by the Thai police that locks him up in the jail which cruelty is nothing the audience has ever seen on screen. The environment is so inhuman I suspect I have no comparison to it even in animal world. There is no light in the jail cell: it is so unstable, the camera is so short and so "loud" on small scenes and episodes - it almost feels like a boxer's punch in the face. You add t this cocktail the bodies tattooed all over - hundreds of them, you add to that that all this tattooed bodies live in one small cell and sleep almost on each other like herrings in the jar., you add t this unknown dialogues of the Thai speeches from every room corner, the speeches that are not translated (and the main character Billy does no speak the language) - and you get the complete picture of his brutal reality.
It is violence and endless physical pain the air is filled up with in the jail. To "teach" a newcomer the "head" of the cell violently rapes a young man in front of Billy's eyes and the "assistants of the "boss" encourage him to watch the whole scene. The soundtrack hits you over your head like a hammer. Thee music is a mixture of local traditional instruments and electronic. It feels even more disturbing.
I asked myself only one question: why do I need to see this lowest part of the human life on Earth?
Why do I feel for Billy who finds any chance to survive and get out from this hell? Suddenly we find out that Bully has a father. He searches for warmth and finds it with a transsexual man. He is stubborn and wants to fight, he is a boxer after all. The boxing in the jail is not a bloody mess but it is a way of expressing himself and a way to find a breath of fresh air. He finds the courage ad will to survive and get out of this misery.
The final of the film is very limited on emotions . It happens when Billy meets his father in jail. It is silent but it is very powerful. The film is based on real events about the boxer Bill Moore who appears in front of our eyes in the figure of Billy's father. He is the men who found the way out of this abyss...
You will love this film!
cinema nova
RATE: 9.5/10
This is one of the films that touched me somehow very deeply. I could not stop talking about it for a couple of days.
The film is for discomforting and so disturbing it is almost revolting but it is so organic and so natural for this type of the movie that after had an hour you will be glued to the screen and will not even think about leaving. You will share the hardship and the pain of the main character. It is still really hard to watch this film. The emotional pressure from the film is beyond any possible expectations: shocking is one word. You simply get filled up with violence that does not know any possible boundaries. There are just glimpses of light on the path the main character goes through. He is the young British boxer in Thailand who sins with drugs and gets caught by the Thai police that locks him up in the jail which cruelty is nothing the audience has ever seen on screen. The environment is so inhuman I suspect I have no comparison to it even in animal world. There is no light in the jail cell: it is so unstable, the camera is so short and so "loud" on small scenes and episodes - it almost feels like a boxer's punch in the face. You add t this cocktail the bodies tattooed all over - hundreds of them, you add to that that all this tattooed bodies live in one small cell and sleep almost on each other like herrings in the jar., you add t this unknown dialogues of the Thai speeches from every room corner, the speeches that are not translated (and the main character Billy does no speak the language) - and you get the complete picture of his brutal reality.
It is violence and endless physical pain the air is filled up with in the jail. To "teach" a newcomer the "head" of the cell violently rapes a young man in front of Billy's eyes and the "assistants of the "boss" encourage him to watch the whole scene. The soundtrack hits you over your head like a hammer. Thee music is a mixture of local traditional instruments and electronic. It feels even more disturbing.
I asked myself only one question: why do I need to see this lowest part of the human life on Earth?
Why do I feel for Billy who finds any chance to survive and get out from this hell? Suddenly we find out that Bully has a father. He searches for warmth and finds it with a transsexual man. He is stubborn and wants to fight, he is a boxer after all. The boxing in the jail is not a bloody mess but it is a way of expressing himself and a way to find a breath of fresh air. He finds the courage ad will to survive and get out of this misery.
The final of the film is very limited on emotions . It happens when Billy meets his father in jail. It is silent but it is very powerful. The film is based on real events about the boxer Bill Moore who appears in front of our eyes in the figure of Billy's father. He is the men who found the way out of this abyss...
You will love this film!
SMALL FOOT NEW
roadshow
review by Thi Huynh
We were not disappointed! What an amazing movie for kids of all ages and size. This movie can be enjoyed by the entire family aging from 1 to 100. Everyone will enjoy a laugh! The audience will adore the characters, the visuals, and the amazing music, but more importantly, they'll be bequeathed with a message worthy of their hearts and minds. It's funny yet sends a loving message to all.
roadshow
review by Thi Huynh
We were not disappointed! What an amazing movie for kids of all ages and size. This movie can be enjoyed by the entire family aging from 1 to 100. Everyone will enjoy a laugh! The audience will adore the characters, the visuals, and the amazing music, but more importantly, they'll be bequeathed with a message worthy of their hearts and minds. It's funny yet sends a loving message to all.
AMERICAN ANIMALS NEW
madman
RATE: 9/10
How to plan a very daring criminal act? This film will tell you exactly how: the instructions are so precise the most experienced criminal will say: wow! But one note this act is performed by four very innocent young adults to attend Universities and colleges. What? Yes!
The robbery goes according to the plan , the police is fulled and the criminals go and have a good time with their stolen goods... so you think I tell you now a fairy tale? Of course I am... In reality the plan never works as you know. The difference between reality and dreams is huge and I believe the students were very innocent and naive to assume that their plan will work. The story is based though on real events. More to that: we meet with four real criminals. They are interviewed during the film, we get their insight on the order of the events. These interviews are smartly blend into the main story line and seem so natural connecting the events from the past and the present time. The whole movie seems so well flowing with the documentary incorporated into it. It works very well.
The first line we read in the film says: " This move is not based on real story. It IS a real story"
All four criminals tell their version of the story. They tell it from the wisdom of their understanding nowadays that the plan was stupid and that they did not calculate it very well. They talk about the events that took place 14 years ago with a but of a self irony but the story does not loose its dramatic feel anyway. Nevertheless the documentary is quite exciting to watch the main attention of the director is focused on the events from the past.
I always think the young and rich go into such criminal activity for one reason only: they are bored, there is no enough adrenaline in their lives. The bored mind creates and draws the adventures. The busy mind would never do that. The busy mind of the normal young adult studies, learns, explores and gets the extra knowledge from good books, art and sport. The wandering and low mind tries to understand its "belonging" to this world thorough suspicious activity: alcohol, drugs, stealing and sexual adventures that only hurt him and the others. Imagine suddenly the wondering and very low in its development mid sees a very expensive thing. All the minds thinks about: how to be lazy and how to spend the money . The low mind never creates - it destroys. It uses the goods created by the others to its own advantage. The criminal acts of such minds are as a rue always very messy , stupid and badly planned.
The criminal act itself is shown in all its ugliness: the music of the soundtrack is hilarious, the seemingly simple procedure of "silencing" the "guard" is turned into a cruel scene of stupid and unforgivable violence, the doors are not opening and our four boys are not supermen plus the the stolen goods are so heavy they can not run far with them.
I am adding to this: the soundtrack is superb and the camera is so good you will love each and every move of it.
The main actors are all beyond any possible expectations: crazy, empty souls with ugly and unlovable faces.
One of the questions asked in the film: there is the point of not coming back when you cross the line ? You can only find out the answer by crossing that line.
From the film you suddenly realise that the prison did not teach them anything. If it was an opportunity to repeat the "adventure" they would do it again. I did not trust anyone of them. Honestly, I did not...
It is a superbly made film and you will love it!
madman
RATE: 9/10
How to plan a very daring criminal act? This film will tell you exactly how: the instructions are so precise the most experienced criminal will say: wow! But one note this act is performed by four very innocent young adults to attend Universities and colleges. What? Yes!
The robbery goes according to the plan , the police is fulled and the criminals go and have a good time with their stolen goods... so you think I tell you now a fairy tale? Of course I am... In reality the plan never works as you know. The difference between reality and dreams is huge and I believe the students were very innocent and naive to assume that their plan will work. The story is based though on real events. More to that: we meet with four real criminals. They are interviewed during the film, we get their insight on the order of the events. These interviews are smartly blend into the main story line and seem so natural connecting the events from the past and the present time. The whole movie seems so well flowing with the documentary incorporated into it. It works very well.
The first line we read in the film says: " This move is not based on real story. It IS a real story"
All four criminals tell their version of the story. They tell it from the wisdom of their understanding nowadays that the plan was stupid and that they did not calculate it very well. They talk about the events that took place 14 years ago with a but of a self irony but the story does not loose its dramatic feel anyway. Nevertheless the documentary is quite exciting to watch the main attention of the director is focused on the events from the past.
I always think the young and rich go into such criminal activity for one reason only: they are bored, there is no enough adrenaline in their lives. The bored mind creates and draws the adventures. The busy mind would never do that. The busy mind of the normal young adult studies, learns, explores and gets the extra knowledge from good books, art and sport. The wandering and low mind tries to understand its "belonging" to this world thorough suspicious activity: alcohol, drugs, stealing and sexual adventures that only hurt him and the others. Imagine suddenly the wondering and very low in its development mid sees a very expensive thing. All the minds thinks about: how to be lazy and how to spend the money . The low mind never creates - it destroys. It uses the goods created by the others to its own advantage. The criminal acts of such minds are as a rue always very messy , stupid and badly planned.
The criminal act itself is shown in all its ugliness: the music of the soundtrack is hilarious, the seemingly simple procedure of "silencing" the "guard" is turned into a cruel scene of stupid and unforgivable violence, the doors are not opening and our four boys are not supermen plus the the stolen goods are so heavy they can not run far with them.
I am adding to this: the soundtrack is superb and the camera is so good you will love each and every move of it.
The main actors are all beyond any possible expectations: crazy, empty souls with ugly and unlovable faces.
One of the questions asked in the film: there is the point of not coming back when you cross the line ? You can only find out the answer by crossing that line.
From the film you suddenly realise that the prison did not teach them anything. If it was an opportunity to repeat the "adventure" they would do it again. I did not trust anyone of them. Honestly, I did not...
It is a superbly made film and you will love it!
THE NUN
Roadshow
review: Bryanna Reynolds
REVIEW: The Nun By Bryanna Reynolds
The film ‘The Nun’ is a prequel to the infamous ‘The Conjuring’ franchise. It is reminiscent of the franchise and has you on the edge of your seat! This horrifying film will leave you wanting more and seeking out more horror! It is now in cinemas. A truly horrifying film you don't want to miss the opportunity to see! You will find yourself relating the story back to the other ‘Conjuring’ films as there is character layover. This was one of the best parts to the story is that you find out more about their lives! For the advance screening I attended, the moment you walked into the cinema you were greeted to a photo booth opportunity and two scary looking nuns with no faces! Even in the bathroom there was a picture of the nun looking back at you! The film ‘The Nun’ follows the life of a young Nun who has not taken her vowels just yet. She is then called upon to assist with an investigation into a mysterious suicide of a nun. But what she finds when she arrives with a Priest is more than she bargained for. Also no worries if you haven’t seen the ‘Conjuring’ franchise of movies. Whilst I would recommend purely for the joy of seeing the films that you have seen some of them but it isn’t a necessity. If you are a fan of the horror or psychological thrillers than this film is for you. But be warned this film isn’t for the faint of heart. Make sure to see it in cinemas on the big screen whilst it’s out!
Roadshow
review: Bryanna Reynolds
REVIEW: The Nun By Bryanna Reynolds
The film ‘The Nun’ is a prequel to the infamous ‘The Conjuring’ franchise. It is reminiscent of the franchise and has you on the edge of your seat! This horrifying film will leave you wanting more and seeking out more horror! It is now in cinemas. A truly horrifying film you don't want to miss the opportunity to see! You will find yourself relating the story back to the other ‘Conjuring’ films as there is character layover. This was one of the best parts to the story is that you find out more about their lives! For the advance screening I attended, the moment you walked into the cinema you were greeted to a photo booth opportunity and two scary looking nuns with no faces! Even in the bathroom there was a picture of the nun looking back at you! The film ‘The Nun’ follows the life of a young Nun who has not taken her vowels just yet. She is then called upon to assist with an investigation into a mysterious suicide of a nun. But what she finds when she arrives with a Priest is more than she bargained for. Also no worries if you haven’t seen the ‘Conjuring’ franchise of movies. Whilst I would recommend purely for the joy of seeing the films that you have seen some of them but it isn’t a necessity. If you are a fan of the horror or psychological thrillers than this film is for you. But be warned this film isn’t for the faint of heart. Make sure to see it in cinemas on the big screen whilst it’s out!
CUSTODY FILM TO PAY ATTENTION TO
website
RATE: 9.5/10
The ordinary family dynamics can be very painful to watch but is does not devalue the significance of the film and its powerful messages indeed. We care about the main characters as we all can find something in this film that reflects our own life situations. It is a must to watch to the women who were or are in the abusive family relationship: when the husband torches the woman physically, mentally and emotionally. Any abuse does not show sympathy to the abuser what so ever: the abuse can have a silent passive or loud aggressive form. The form does not change the result. Woman gets offended and her reaction is unavoidable. It usually lads to a final separation and if the child was a result of previous "love" relationship it gets in between.
We look at the screen and can recognise ourselves so easily. We intuitively feel what will happen next and want to yell to warn the main characters what to do... we know the path so well... but the act without hearing our silent but loud voices. They know better. The assault though gets on a higher level: the further such relationship continue the more dangerous they become.
The violence in families grows and it becomes a real problem in the society. It is hard to believe that MEN, the people that have to protect their wives and kids from hardships and misfortunes turn into monsters that chase their weaker family members with axes and guns. The emotional and physical bulling is not the end of the story story: the torture starts on economical and psychological level of the family and the phrase: "don't worry dear, take me back, I have changed"does not have any weight in truth anymore. It sound almost like a joke. Women do not ever trust men who have done it already to their ex-es - they will do it with you too. Women do not ever trust men who have done it already to you - ONCE - they will do it with you AGAIN!
The disrespect has its roots and the point of origin. It started with us, women too as we ALLOWED it o happen in the first place. We allowed ourselves to trust such monsters in our lives. Women leave them alone: they will suffer from their own brutality by isolating themselves from the human touch and human socialising. They are usually all sweet talkers and they convince you that there is no darkness in their souls. Run! Run away from such people as fast as you can.
My friend once said to me: "Natasha, my house was always full of lowers from my darling husband" I said to her how lucky she was and she started laughing: "They were the flowers he would usually give me after I was beaten up and I walked all in bruises..." I say no comments. She is happy now with someone else: tender and respectful to who she is. She does not look back and if she does it is just to say how lucky she was to divorce such man.
Dear women who are in wrong and damaging relationship: the violence is cyclic . Today he is good and respectful with you but what you had before can repeat and you never know when he will use a knife or a brick.
The film raises many questions: should the kids see both parents? Why the parents so easily break their kids' lives when they try to manage their own life? How we should build up our future by watching the mistakes of the others and not making our own? When the word "love" turns into "tolerance and how much of it we should take in? Where is the boarder between two: love and tolerance?
The film is built in the way when you find yourself in the fist 9/10th of the film as an observe of a misfortune, but suddenly you find yourself as a member of the family right in the middle of the most dangerous drama when you feel the hands on your throat and you suddenly understand why this woman ran away from her husband in the first place.
Thomas Gioria who plays Julien Besson is remarkable in his acting. He does not have much words to say but his silence speaks on its own louder tan any words: he plays an animal trapped in the corner and he has the eyes of the boy whose parents do not love each other anymore.
We should speak about family violence. We should speak out loud. the woman will never raise her hand at the men f she is not provoked brutally emotionally - if she did it she must have been in the worst pain the nature has offered to her in the form of her uncaring husband - we all should also learn this.
I told you about the hands on your throat. Remember that. This episode was the most frightening I have ever seen in my life. I lived it myself so many times and I feel so guilty in front of my own kids that I let it happen in my own life. It is the moment of horror, pain, hatred, humiliation, hopelessness and harm.
Dear women please never ever rick your own life and the life of your kids . Leave the men who have shown you violence once immediately. You can save lives by dong that. Never stay with the men who continues his molesting and bulling behavior be physical, emotional or economical. Leave him! Remember that your family was created for happiness and love - search for peace and joy with the other men who will take care of you and your kids.
website
RATE: 9.5/10
The ordinary family dynamics can be very painful to watch but is does not devalue the significance of the film and its powerful messages indeed. We care about the main characters as we all can find something in this film that reflects our own life situations. It is a must to watch to the women who were or are in the abusive family relationship: when the husband torches the woman physically, mentally and emotionally. Any abuse does not show sympathy to the abuser what so ever: the abuse can have a silent passive or loud aggressive form. The form does not change the result. Woman gets offended and her reaction is unavoidable. It usually lads to a final separation and if the child was a result of previous "love" relationship it gets in between.
We look at the screen and can recognise ourselves so easily. We intuitively feel what will happen next and want to yell to warn the main characters what to do... we know the path so well... but the act without hearing our silent but loud voices. They know better. The assault though gets on a higher level: the further such relationship continue the more dangerous they become.
The violence in families grows and it becomes a real problem in the society. It is hard to believe that MEN, the people that have to protect their wives and kids from hardships and misfortunes turn into monsters that chase their weaker family members with axes and guns. The emotional and physical bulling is not the end of the story story: the torture starts on economical and psychological level of the family and the phrase: "don't worry dear, take me back, I have changed"does not have any weight in truth anymore. It sound almost like a joke. Women do not ever trust men who have done it already to their ex-es - they will do it with you too. Women do not ever trust men who have done it already to you - ONCE - they will do it with you AGAIN!
The disrespect has its roots and the point of origin. It started with us, women too as we ALLOWED it o happen in the first place. We allowed ourselves to trust such monsters in our lives. Women leave them alone: they will suffer from their own brutality by isolating themselves from the human touch and human socialising. They are usually all sweet talkers and they convince you that there is no darkness in their souls. Run! Run away from such people as fast as you can.
My friend once said to me: "Natasha, my house was always full of lowers from my darling husband" I said to her how lucky she was and she started laughing: "They were the flowers he would usually give me after I was beaten up and I walked all in bruises..." I say no comments. She is happy now with someone else: tender and respectful to who she is. She does not look back and if she does it is just to say how lucky she was to divorce such man.
Dear women who are in wrong and damaging relationship: the violence is cyclic . Today he is good and respectful with you but what you had before can repeat and you never know when he will use a knife or a brick.
The film raises many questions: should the kids see both parents? Why the parents so easily break their kids' lives when they try to manage their own life? How we should build up our future by watching the mistakes of the others and not making our own? When the word "love" turns into "tolerance and how much of it we should take in? Where is the boarder between two: love and tolerance?
The film is built in the way when you find yourself in the fist 9/10th of the film as an observe of a misfortune, but suddenly you find yourself as a member of the family right in the middle of the most dangerous drama when you feel the hands on your throat and you suddenly understand why this woman ran away from her husband in the first place.
Thomas Gioria who plays Julien Besson is remarkable in his acting. He does not have much words to say but his silence speaks on its own louder tan any words: he plays an animal trapped in the corner and he has the eyes of the boy whose parents do not love each other anymore.
We should speak about family violence. We should speak out loud. the woman will never raise her hand at the men f she is not provoked brutally emotionally - if she did it she must have been in the worst pain the nature has offered to her in the form of her uncaring husband - we all should also learn this.
I told you about the hands on your throat. Remember that. This episode was the most frightening I have ever seen in my life. I lived it myself so many times and I feel so guilty in front of my own kids that I let it happen in my own life. It is the moment of horror, pain, hatred, humiliation, hopelessness and harm.
Dear women please never ever rick your own life and the life of your kids . Leave the men who have shown you violence once immediately. You can save lives by dong that. Never stay with the men who continues his molesting and bulling behavior be physical, emotional or economical. Leave him! Remember that your family was created for happiness and love - search for peace and joy with the other men who will take care of you and your kids.
HEARTS BEAT LOUD
website
by Sony Pictures and Park Circus Group
review by Sam Bell
Stories of the rebellious child being torn between their adolescent fantasy and their parents desire for them to do the responsible thing have been done so many times, in so many ways that nearly all of us could write a barebones script for one without even trying. Replace the parent and child’s desires and you have Hearts Beat Loud. While it is nice to see an inversion of the classic trope, it’s a perfect reflection, going through the exact same movements and twists, in just as predictable a manner, albeit in an abnormal direction. Not to deny the classic tropes their power and place, they are classic for a reason after all. If you are looking for something new to make you think or give you something you’ve never seen before though, this is not the place to look.
The story follows an aging, hipster widower (Nick Offerman) and his teenage daughter (Kiersey Clemons) as she attempts to find her direction in life. Offerman’s Frank is stuck in his glory days and dreams of being in a successful band and living the life of a musician. To ensure this, he forcibly enlists the aid of Clemons’s Sam form a band with him and abandon her foolish dreams of medicine and responsibility. After they record their first track, Frank uploads it to Spotify without telling her and wouldn’t you know it, it’s an instant hit. After Frank finally finishes freaking out over hearing his song on the radio he ups the pressure on Sam to use this chance to launch their careers and fulfil his dreams. Unfortunately, Sam, being the rebellious, highly attractive, hipster teenager with a great singing voice who also happens to be a lesbian is far to interested in studying medicine and becoming a doctor to risk it all for a musical career. From this point, everything that you think will happen, happens.
Hearts beat loud is at its core, a paint by numbers film that ticks all the boxes and hits all the milestones a coming of age family drama involving music and commitment should. It breaks zero new ground, but it doesn’t make any new mistakes either. Director Brett Haley clearly had a formula he intended to work with and he didn’t deviate from it. In the end though, Hearts Beat Loud is an enjoyable, if forgettable romp through the classic emotional rollercoaster we all know and love. If you want something to stay with you, look elsewhere, if you have a couple of hours free on a Saturday and want something light and warm to play while you cook dinner, Hearts Beat loud may just be what you are looking for.
website
by Sony Pictures and Park Circus Group
review by Sam Bell
Stories of the rebellious child being torn between their adolescent fantasy and their parents desire for them to do the responsible thing have been done so many times, in so many ways that nearly all of us could write a barebones script for one without even trying. Replace the parent and child’s desires and you have Hearts Beat Loud. While it is nice to see an inversion of the classic trope, it’s a perfect reflection, going through the exact same movements and twists, in just as predictable a manner, albeit in an abnormal direction. Not to deny the classic tropes their power and place, they are classic for a reason after all. If you are looking for something new to make you think or give you something you’ve never seen before though, this is not the place to look.
The story follows an aging, hipster widower (Nick Offerman) and his teenage daughter (Kiersey Clemons) as she attempts to find her direction in life. Offerman’s Frank is stuck in his glory days and dreams of being in a successful band and living the life of a musician. To ensure this, he forcibly enlists the aid of Clemons’s Sam form a band with him and abandon her foolish dreams of medicine and responsibility. After they record their first track, Frank uploads it to Spotify without telling her and wouldn’t you know it, it’s an instant hit. After Frank finally finishes freaking out over hearing his song on the radio he ups the pressure on Sam to use this chance to launch their careers and fulfil his dreams. Unfortunately, Sam, being the rebellious, highly attractive, hipster teenager with a great singing voice who also happens to be a lesbian is far to interested in studying medicine and becoming a doctor to risk it all for a musical career. From this point, everything that you think will happen, happens.
Hearts beat loud is at its core, a paint by numbers film that ticks all the boxes and hits all the milestones a coming of age family drama involving music and commitment should. It breaks zero new ground, but it doesn’t make any new mistakes either. Director Brett Haley clearly had a formula he intended to work with and he didn’t deviate from it. In the end though, Hearts Beat Loud is an enjoyable, if forgettable romp through the classic emotional rollercoaster we all know and love. If you want something to stay with you, look elsewhere, if you have a couple of hours free on a Saturday and want something light and warm to play while you cook dinner, Hearts Beat loud may just be what you are looking for.
WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
website
review by Sam Bell
When people think of the great men of the 21st century there is a list of names that everyone comes to, such as Barack Obama, Stephen Hawking and Steve Jobs. Businessmen, politicians and public figures alike. One name often missed, wrongfully so, is Fred Rogers. Won’t you be my neighbour? aims to correct this mistake by showcasing the man and legend in all his glory. At just over 90 minutes, the movie has its work cut out for it trying to explain the entire life of such an influential man, especially to audiences outside of America who likely haven’t seen his work or heard of him before. While it may not be comprehensive in its coverage, or particularly nuanced in its story telling, won’t you be my neighbour? Is an honest primer to a man who dedicated his life to kindness and love.
For those who have yet to encounter anything the man ever made, Fred Rogers was a TV frontrunner. The face and mind behind the juggernaut, 31 season, 912 episode long children’s educational program that was Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood. From 1968 to 2001, the ordained priest and uncanonised saint spoke directly to the children of the world, teaching them about love and empathy as only he could. Never afraid to cover the harder topics, Fred Rogers often devoted entire episodes, if not series of episodes covering the subjects often avoided by most children’s entertainment. Nothing was taboo, death, divorce, loss and pain, all the things that children will eventually deal with. The documentary shows how he took each issue, reframed them into a child’s perspective and then patiently walked his audience through each of them.
A skilled producer, musician, puppeteer and priest, Fred rogers devoted his life to improving the lives of children around the world. His core message, repeated in every episode is as simple as it is poignant, you deserve to be loved. It was this message of unconditional love and acceptance that defined his life and in turn this film. Won’t you be my neighbour avoids the trap of most bio pics of exaggerating their subject to make them either a perfect being or a demon incarnate. It also side steps the common failings of many documentaries, blowing events out of proportion and attempting to find people with as drastically opposed views on the issue as possible. Instead it succeeds in stunning fashion, portraying the life of man, as it happened, without fear nor favour. Fed Rogers was not a perfect man and the film does not pretend he was, there was controversy around him and his crew, he had his own insecurities and doubts that plagued him. Those reminders of humanity are what make both man and film so great though.
In much the same style as the titular entertainer, won’t you be my neighbour? Throws itself into its circumstances. It’s a low budget, low production value work of art. It doesn’t rely on celebrities or star power, there are no scenes of people sobbing over his death or giving standing ovations during his life, though both happened on mass. It seeks to tell the truth of the man and lets you decide what you think about him all by yourself. It doesn’t need to trick you into caring, because the fact of the matter is that if by some unholy miracle you leave this movie unmoved by the pure love Fred Rogers had for the world, it doesn’t matter, he would have loved you anyway. All this movie really seeks to do is ask its audience a simple question, you don’t even really need to watch the movie to hear it (though I highly recommend you do), all you need is the title. As a record of the life and death of one the kindest men to ever live, all this film wants to know is, Won’t you be my neighbour?
website
review by Sam Bell
When people think of the great men of the 21st century there is a list of names that everyone comes to, such as Barack Obama, Stephen Hawking and Steve Jobs. Businessmen, politicians and public figures alike. One name often missed, wrongfully so, is Fred Rogers. Won’t you be my neighbour? aims to correct this mistake by showcasing the man and legend in all his glory. At just over 90 minutes, the movie has its work cut out for it trying to explain the entire life of such an influential man, especially to audiences outside of America who likely haven’t seen his work or heard of him before. While it may not be comprehensive in its coverage, or particularly nuanced in its story telling, won’t you be my neighbour? Is an honest primer to a man who dedicated his life to kindness and love.
For those who have yet to encounter anything the man ever made, Fred Rogers was a TV frontrunner. The face and mind behind the juggernaut, 31 season, 912 episode long children’s educational program that was Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood. From 1968 to 2001, the ordained priest and uncanonised saint spoke directly to the children of the world, teaching them about love and empathy as only he could. Never afraid to cover the harder topics, Fred Rogers often devoted entire episodes, if not series of episodes covering the subjects often avoided by most children’s entertainment. Nothing was taboo, death, divorce, loss and pain, all the things that children will eventually deal with. The documentary shows how he took each issue, reframed them into a child’s perspective and then patiently walked his audience through each of them.
A skilled producer, musician, puppeteer and priest, Fred rogers devoted his life to improving the lives of children around the world. His core message, repeated in every episode is as simple as it is poignant, you deserve to be loved. It was this message of unconditional love and acceptance that defined his life and in turn this film. Won’t you be my neighbour avoids the trap of most bio pics of exaggerating their subject to make them either a perfect being or a demon incarnate. It also side steps the common failings of many documentaries, blowing events out of proportion and attempting to find people with as drastically opposed views on the issue as possible. Instead it succeeds in stunning fashion, portraying the life of man, as it happened, without fear nor favour. Fed Rogers was not a perfect man and the film does not pretend he was, there was controversy around him and his crew, he had his own insecurities and doubts that plagued him. Those reminders of humanity are what make both man and film so great though.
In much the same style as the titular entertainer, won’t you be my neighbour? Throws itself into its circumstances. It’s a low budget, low production value work of art. It doesn’t rely on celebrities or star power, there are no scenes of people sobbing over his death or giving standing ovations during his life, though both happened on mass. It seeks to tell the truth of the man and lets you decide what you think about him all by yourself. It doesn’t need to trick you into caring, because the fact of the matter is that if by some unholy miracle you leave this movie unmoved by the pure love Fred Rogers had for the world, it doesn’t matter, he would have loved you anyway. All this movie really seeks to do is ask its audience a simple question, you don’t even really need to watch the movie to hear it (though I highly recommend you do), all you need is the title. As a record of the life and death of one the kindest men to ever live, all this film wants to know is, Won’t you be my neighbour?
DON'T WORRY, HE WON'T GET FAR ON FOOT FILM TO PAY ATTENTION TO
website
RATE: 8/10
I feel sorry that this film will not be noticed by the wider audience watching blockbusters and action chewing gum.
There is so much in this film many of us can learn. It is about addictions: no matter what addictions: women, alcohol, smoking, over-eating, endless shopping - they all come from one place- our minds that requires healing. The healing is a complex process. It is all about he harmony living with each other, it is all about the harmony of living with yourself. It is finally about forgiving the once who are close to you, your family , your friends , your enemies and big and small people; it is finally all about forgiving Yourself. Guilt destroys lives, guilt destroys our lives and the lives of the people around us. When the process of forgiveness is completed the soul is ready for creation. It saves you from your ego and opens you up to Thyself. The inspiration is inevitable. You are finally back on your path and you know who you are now..
The acting talent of Joaquin Phoenix is incredible. He owns every moment of the film. Our eyes are all on him: he plays and he plays so talent-ly. He portrays the rich spectrum of human emotions. He shows the man who lost the ability to move. He shows a good man with a very weak will of power. Jonah Hill is superb but Rooney Mara is like a ray of light in the darkness of the hospital with its physical pain and sore soul wounds.
Gus Van Sant, the film director talks about the man who finds himself at the bottom of physical, emotional and other levels in life. There is no way to go deeper down as the bottom is reached and it does not look pleasant. Even the life threatening event does not wake him up: the alcoholic roller coaster continues and he does not hear the calls from above. Hope remains though. The soul cleansing process is not an easy way up. The story is optimistic. The drama in the film is well blended with some very good humor.
The story line looks like a bonfire full of sparkles that fly out of it at night time. They also blend so well together with the anime pictures the main character is drawing on paper. His pictures get alive like the fire sparkles and they bring love and hope to everyone watching them. The film is more than personal , it is turning into deeply intimate story.
website
RATE: 8/10
I feel sorry that this film will not be noticed by the wider audience watching blockbusters and action chewing gum.
There is so much in this film many of us can learn. It is about addictions: no matter what addictions: women, alcohol, smoking, over-eating, endless shopping - they all come from one place- our minds that requires healing. The healing is a complex process. It is all about he harmony living with each other, it is all about the harmony of living with yourself. It is finally about forgiving the once who are close to you, your family , your friends , your enemies and big and small people; it is finally all about forgiving Yourself. Guilt destroys lives, guilt destroys our lives and the lives of the people around us. When the process of forgiveness is completed the soul is ready for creation. It saves you from your ego and opens you up to Thyself. The inspiration is inevitable. You are finally back on your path and you know who you are now..
The acting talent of Joaquin Phoenix is incredible. He owns every moment of the film. Our eyes are all on him: he plays and he plays so talent-ly. He portrays the rich spectrum of human emotions. He shows the man who lost the ability to move. He shows a good man with a very weak will of power. Jonah Hill is superb but Rooney Mara is like a ray of light in the darkness of the hospital with its physical pain and sore soul wounds.
Gus Van Sant, the film director talks about the man who finds himself at the bottom of physical, emotional and other levels in life. There is no way to go deeper down as the bottom is reached and it does not look pleasant. Even the life threatening event does not wake him up: the alcoholic roller coaster continues and he does not hear the calls from above. Hope remains though. The soul cleansing process is not an easy way up. The story is optimistic. The drama in the film is well blended with some very good humor.
The story line looks like a bonfire full of sparkles that fly out of it at night time. They also blend so well together with the anime pictures the main character is drawing on paper. His pictures get alive like the fire sparkles and they bring love and hope to everyone watching them. The film is more than personal , it is turning into deeply intimate story.
review by Susan Reynolds
“He Won’t Get Far on Foot”
Drama/Comedy
John Callahan: Joaquin Phoenix
Dexter: Jack Black
Annu: Rooney Mara
Ronnie: Johnah Hill
8/10
Review by Susan Reynolds
Based on a true story of the memoir of John Callahan and written and directed skillfully by Gus Van Sant the film provides the audience with insights into living with quadriplegia and the difficult life of being reliant on others. It is stark in its reality but provides some inspiring content.
Joaquin Phoenix plays an excellent role as the severe alcoholic who buries his pain with alcohol. ......Pain that he perceives as a result of his abandonment at birth, pain he felt in growing up with a foster family and not feeling he fitted in, then ultimately pain from his physical injury.
Jack Black plays Dexter whom Callahan strikes up a rapport with at a party they booze on and on in the night until Dexter elects to drive drunk and mistakes a pole with a turn in the road.
Dexter walks away from the crash but not so Callahan who is in a bad way. When Callahan gains consciousness he’s severely incapacitated. He almost immediately sets eyes on a captivating girl Annu played by Rooney Mara who he learns will attend to him once a weekday as a therapist . He is trying to come to terms with his devastating injuries.
Not coping with life sober before with his quadriplegia he is then doubly in trouble, life isn’t so easy now to even reach for that bottle of booze on the upper shelf. He has his trials and tribulations but his spirits are boosted when he meets up with Annu again and they become an item. She encourages him to join Alcoholics Anonymous and he attends art classes. A sobering reality greets him with the former. Group members each have their own demons and aren’t out to be soft with him ...their blunt comments infuriating him at first but then he soon realises they are apt and that they are his friends. Group patron and once alcoholic himself is a superb character enlightening and supportive to Callahan. This character is Ronnie is played by Jonah Hill. The interactions and conversations between Ronnie and John are where we are treated to the most meaningful dialogue and best acting scenes of the movie in my estimation.
Callahan finds his place in the world transforming in his life. A new career germinates from this dormant creative seed that lies within. He discovers this amazing gift for drawing cartoons. A powerful message contained in this; that in confronting and dealing with your demons can reveal a whole new world. This isn’t lost on Callahan who has great self-pride, he’s come a long way from the dysfunctional alcoholic ...a sobering thought.
Superb acting by Joaquin Phoenix an outstanding performer however I did enjoy his previous film “You Were Never Really Here”2017 more. I found some scenarios a little stretched for credibility in this film but perhaps the adage real life is often stranger than fiction applies.
“He Won’t Get Far on Foot”
Drama/Comedy
John Callahan: Joaquin Phoenix
Dexter: Jack Black
Annu: Rooney Mara
Ronnie: Johnah Hill
8/10
Review by Susan Reynolds
Based on a true story of the memoir of John Callahan and written and directed skillfully by Gus Van Sant the film provides the audience with insights into living with quadriplegia and the difficult life of being reliant on others. It is stark in its reality but provides some inspiring content.
Joaquin Phoenix plays an excellent role as the severe alcoholic who buries his pain with alcohol. ......Pain that he perceives as a result of his abandonment at birth, pain he felt in growing up with a foster family and not feeling he fitted in, then ultimately pain from his physical injury.
Jack Black plays Dexter whom Callahan strikes up a rapport with at a party they booze on and on in the night until Dexter elects to drive drunk and mistakes a pole with a turn in the road.
Dexter walks away from the crash but not so Callahan who is in a bad way. When Callahan gains consciousness he’s severely incapacitated. He almost immediately sets eyes on a captivating girl Annu played by Rooney Mara who he learns will attend to him once a weekday as a therapist . He is trying to come to terms with his devastating injuries.
Not coping with life sober before with his quadriplegia he is then doubly in trouble, life isn’t so easy now to even reach for that bottle of booze on the upper shelf. He has his trials and tribulations but his spirits are boosted when he meets up with Annu again and they become an item. She encourages him to join Alcoholics Anonymous and he attends art classes. A sobering reality greets him with the former. Group members each have their own demons and aren’t out to be soft with him ...their blunt comments infuriating him at first but then he soon realises they are apt and that they are his friends. Group patron and once alcoholic himself is a superb character enlightening and supportive to Callahan. This character is Ronnie is played by Jonah Hill. The interactions and conversations between Ronnie and John are where we are treated to the most meaningful dialogue and best acting scenes of the movie in my estimation.
Callahan finds his place in the world transforming in his life. A new career germinates from this dormant creative seed that lies within. He discovers this amazing gift for drawing cartoons. A powerful message contained in this; that in confronting and dealing with your demons can reveal a whole new world. This isn’t lost on Callahan who has great self-pride, he’s come a long way from the dysfunctional alcoholic ...a sobering thought.
Superb acting by Joaquin Phoenix an outstanding performer however I did enjoy his previous film “You Were Never Really Here”2017 more. I found some scenarios a little stretched for credibility in this film but perhaps the adage real life is often stranger than fiction applies.
THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS
Roadshow
RATE: 6/10
The film features the LA area where humans and puppets live together. But life is not a box of chocolates for the puppets as they are humiliated by humans. Puppets detective reunites with his human ex-work-partner to investigate the brutal murder in one of the city joints.
The Happytime Murders is not the film I would go to watch if I had a free time. It is funny sometimes but most of the time the humor is a bit vulgar and out of my capacity to understand how the below the belt low jokes can make it funny...
It is a one of to forget quickly IMHO and it is sad as the potential was there as well as the idea. The work that was put into creating each scene is amazing though and deserves a standing ovation.
The film is puppets R rated - not the one that I would recommend either.
The film is quite plain I would say but it is watchable.
Roadshow
RATE: 6/10
The film features the LA area where humans and puppets live together. But life is not a box of chocolates for the puppets as they are humiliated by humans. Puppets detective reunites with his human ex-work-partner to investigate the brutal murder in one of the city joints.
The Happytime Murders is not the film I would go to watch if I had a free time. It is funny sometimes but most of the time the humor is a bit vulgar and out of my capacity to understand how the below the belt low jokes can make it funny...
It is a one of to forget quickly IMHO and it is sad as the potential was there as well as the idea. The work that was put into creating each scene is amazing though and deserves a standing ovation.
The film is puppets R rated - not the one that I would recommend either.
The film is quite plain I would say but it is watchable.
Jirga is an assembly of people who get together to judge the deed and misdeed.
The film is very slow paced and graceful if you can say such things about the films about war resistance. The film was made in almost impossible conditions (that is why I put a bit of information below on making the film and about the director). The film feels like a very well plotted documentary from its first minutes but the artistic side is coming through bit but bit filing the audience with beauty , emotions not information only.
The film is powerful and its intentions are pure: each page of this picture is against wars. It slowly brings you to the subject. e do not understand why the white man is in Kabul and what he is preparing for. His behavior seems strange but step by step we understand the purpose of his visit. The film is rich on emotions , I would say it is bottomless as it touches the subject of forgiveness many of us never had. Vengefulness yes but not forgiveness. We fight for small things neglecting the fact that our hearts beat the same way, our eyes look at the same things and our lungs get the same air.
The nature shoots are beyond any human understanding of beauty: I loved watching the sunrises in the stone desert - they look spectacular, Marsian, they look alien and bare, as the raw human creating. It is an openness of the interrupted view in the core of such images and filming them is such a rewarding job!
What is in Forgiveness that is so hard to give out... what holds us from it!? I was raised in the atmosphere of forgiveness at home , I was told to forgive even if I am right. Although I would not feel right if I had o forgive for killing someone dear in my family, it sounds almost impossible. It is hard breaking to watch both sides involved in the situation: forgiving and forgiven.
The performance of Sam Smith, Australia actor is immaculate. It is silent and strong. I firstly thought he was a native Afghan origin man so naturally he blends into the environment as if he lived there for years on the others side, not the soldiers. Sam plays a soldier emotionally stable, not even one of his facial muscles moves during the touching episodes of the film, he is a stone, though his inner world shines through and his genuine intentions are supported by his live actions. His face is Christ-like in his suffering and almost looks symbolic. He only performed his mission , little he knew that he would be required to kill Innocence itself. He knows exactly what he is doing when he gives himself away to the villagers whose brothers and sisters he was killing before. He does not care about the punishment The self-punishment has already taken place in his soul.
The script monologues, dialogues and words pronounced are limited. The major work is happening in between the words. The less the talk the stronger are the responses from the spectators of the film , the more time they have to think and re-think the actions.
The soundtrack adds to the film beauty, its strength and its depth.
The position of the film director is clear so we are willingly supporting it as well as the way he showed it. For those if you waiting for the fire, the guns, the raw action and bullshit fights will not be happy to see this film. This is not for everyone. I loved every little bit of it... I would only recommend my best friends and most devoted readers who love thinking while watching the finest in art to see this film as a must.
The film is very slow paced and graceful if you can say such things about the films about war resistance. The film was made in almost impossible conditions (that is why I put a bit of information below on making the film and about the director). The film feels like a very well plotted documentary from its first minutes but the artistic side is coming through bit but bit filing the audience with beauty , emotions not information only.
The film is powerful and its intentions are pure: each page of this picture is against wars. It slowly brings you to the subject. e do not understand why the white man is in Kabul and what he is preparing for. His behavior seems strange but step by step we understand the purpose of his visit. The film is rich on emotions , I would say it is bottomless as it touches the subject of forgiveness many of us never had. Vengefulness yes but not forgiveness. We fight for small things neglecting the fact that our hearts beat the same way, our eyes look at the same things and our lungs get the same air.
The nature shoots are beyond any human understanding of beauty: I loved watching the sunrises in the stone desert - they look spectacular, Marsian, they look alien and bare, as the raw human creating. It is an openness of the interrupted view in the core of such images and filming them is such a rewarding job!
What is in Forgiveness that is so hard to give out... what holds us from it!? I was raised in the atmosphere of forgiveness at home , I was told to forgive even if I am right. Although I would not feel right if I had o forgive for killing someone dear in my family, it sounds almost impossible. It is hard breaking to watch both sides involved in the situation: forgiving and forgiven.
The performance of Sam Smith, Australia actor is immaculate. It is silent and strong. I firstly thought he was a native Afghan origin man so naturally he blends into the environment as if he lived there for years on the others side, not the soldiers. Sam plays a soldier emotionally stable, not even one of his facial muscles moves during the touching episodes of the film, he is a stone, though his inner world shines through and his genuine intentions are supported by his live actions. His face is Christ-like in his suffering and almost looks symbolic. He only performed his mission , little he knew that he would be required to kill Innocence itself. He knows exactly what he is doing when he gives himself away to the villagers whose brothers and sisters he was killing before. He does not care about the punishment The self-punishment has already taken place in his soul.
The script monologues, dialogues and words pronounced are limited. The major work is happening in between the words. The less the talk the stronger are the responses from the spectators of the film , the more time they have to think and re-think the actions.
The soundtrack adds to the film beauty, its strength and its depth.
The position of the film director is clear so we are willingly supporting it as well as the way he showed it. For those if you waiting for the fire, the guns, the raw action and bullshit fights will not be happy to see this film. This is not for everyone. I loved every little bit of it... I would only recommend my best friends and most devoted readers who love thinking while watching the finest in art to see this film as a must.
About the film and making it
Moved by his travel experiences in Afghanistan and encounters with war veterans in Australia, filmmaker Benjamin Gilmour wrote a screenplay set in the current Afghan conflict. His story was about a former soldier returning to Afghanistan to look for the family of a civilian he had killed in battle and to seek forgiveness. Gilmour cast Sydney actor Sam Smith in the lead role, and the two of them flew to Pakistan where they planned to shoot the film with funding from a local investor. But the plan fell through. Their shoot was blocked by the Pakistani secret service and the money disappeared. Instead of cutting their losses and returning home, Gilmour and Smith decided to carry on to Afghanistan and make the film in a country still at war. Collaborating with a small crew of Afghans, Gilmour and Smith set about shooting their scenes in one of the most dangerous provinces crawling with Taliban and Islamic State militants. After two months living rough, facing countless obstacles and near-death experiences, Gilmour and Smith emerged from Afghanistan with a movie.
This is director Benjamin Gilmour¹s true behind-the-scenes account of making the film Jirga in Afghanistan.
Moved by his travel experiences in Afghanistan and encounters with war veterans in Australia, filmmaker Benjamin Gilmour wrote a screenplay set in the current Afghan conflict. His story was about a former soldier returning to Afghanistan to look for the family of a civilian he had killed in battle and to seek forgiveness. Gilmour cast Sydney actor Sam Smith in the lead role, and the two of them flew to Pakistan where they planned to shoot the film with funding from a local investor. But the plan fell through. Their shoot was blocked by the Pakistani secret service and the money disappeared. Instead of cutting their losses and returning home, Gilmour and Smith decided to carry on to Afghanistan and make the film in a country still at war. Collaborating with a small crew of Afghans, Gilmour and Smith set about shooting their scenes in one of the most dangerous provinces crawling with Taliban and Islamic State militants. After two months living rough, facing countless obstacles and near-death experiences, Gilmour and Smith emerged from Afghanistan with a movie.
This is director Benjamin Gilmour¹s true behind-the-scenes account of making the film Jirga in Afghanistan.
About the director
Benjamin Gilmour is an author and filmmaker, director of the films 'Jirga' (2018), 'Paramedico' (2012) and 'Son of a Lion’ (2008), author of the books ‘Paramedico – Around the World by Ambulance’ (HarperCollins), a tie-in with his recent film of the same name, and ‘Warrior Poets’ (Pier 9) about the making of his first feature film in Pakistan. His latest book 'Cameras & Kalashnikovs' (Ahoy) is a behind-the-scenes account of his time making 'Jirga' in Afghanistan. He is based in northern New South Wales, Australia, where he lives with his partner Kaspia and three children, Paloma, Romeo and Bohème.
Benjamin Gilmour is an author and filmmaker, director of the films 'Jirga' (2018), 'Paramedico' (2012) and 'Son of a Lion’ (2008), author of the books ‘Paramedico – Around the World by Ambulance’ (HarperCollins), a tie-in with his recent film of the same name, and ‘Warrior Poets’ (Pier 9) about the making of his first feature film in Pakistan. His latest book 'Cameras & Kalashnikovs' (Ahoy) is a behind-the-scenes account of his time making 'Jirga' in Afghanistan. He is based in northern New South Wales, Australia, where he lives with his partner Kaspia and three children, Paloma, Romeo and Bohème.
WAYNE
Transmission Films
RATE: 6/10
I believe this film will be interesting for the motorcycle racers and people interested in motorcycles in general as well a to the Formula 1 drivers and people interested in racing sport in general I found it a bit monotonous and boring. What fascinated me though the devotion of the women who was standing behind and next to her hero supporting him.. I believe only to get hurt at the end. This is a tough profession and not many women would love to stay close to such man who only thinks bikes , races and nothing else He would always be married to his machine and never to you... sad but true... No matter how much "the hero" he is - national or international it is not a challenge... the real challenge and the real race is to sustain your relationship with the people you love and cherish in your life. If you can not - nothing else matters. I was very glad to see though that Wayne's relationship with his children from that gorgeous women were still "working"... but who am I to judge?
Transmission Films
RATE: 6/10
I believe this film will be interesting for the motorcycle racers and people interested in motorcycles in general as well a to the Formula 1 drivers and people interested in racing sport in general I found it a bit monotonous and boring. What fascinated me though the devotion of the women who was standing behind and next to her hero supporting him.. I believe only to get hurt at the end. This is a tough profession and not many women would love to stay close to such man who only thinks bikes , races and nothing else He would always be married to his machine and never to you... sad but true... No matter how much "the hero" he is - national or international it is not a challenge... the real challenge and the real race is to sustain your relationship with the people you love and cherish in your life. If you can not - nothing else matters. I was very glad to see though that Wayne's relationship with his children from that gorgeous women were still "working"... but who am I to judge?
MILE 22
Roadshow
review: Max Lyons
Director:
Peter Berg.
Starring:
Mark Wahlberg,
Iko Uwais,
Lauren Cohan,
J. K. Simmons,
Rhonda Rousey,
John Malkovich.
Genre:
Action
Crime
Thriller.
Rating:
MA15+.
Running time:
94 Minutes.
Concise Critique:
By Maxwell M. Lyons
Mile 22 is the latest film by director Peter Berg, working once more with lead actor Mark Wahlberg as they have done so brilliantly in recent blockbuster successes Patriot’s Day (2016) and Deepwater Horizon (2016). Unlike those critically acclaimed features, however, Mile 22 showcases nothing more than the directorial flaws of Berg when it comes to original fiction-based screenplays.
The narrative rests on a simple premise; protect and escort a witness from point-A to point-B, and avoid getting shot. Though nothing original, what results is often at worst a 90-minute action montage of mindless entertainment. Unfortunately for Mile 22, it tried too hard to defy this tradition and ended up taking itself far too seriously with a cornucopia of storylines and plot devices muddying the narrative; unnecessary filler at best, lazy writing at worst.
As for acting, Mark Wahlberg put on a satisfactory performance as American special operations soldier James Silva, embodying the quick-witted, emotionally flat, hilariously hyper-macho Wahlberg we’ve all come to expect from the action star. Sure, it’s a type-cast at this point, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable, nor does it belittle the acting talents of the man himself. Supporting cast included the woefully underutilised real-world badass Ronda Rousey, the token side-character with marital problems played by Lauren Cohan, and action specialist Iko Uwais (star of the popular Raid movie series). Sadly, they also dragged the iconic
J. K. Simmons into the fray. None of their performances were overly noteworthy, though they all played their role as dictated by the poorly written script.
On that note, though acting was mediocre across the board, the true highlight of the film rests in its action scenes. Don’t get me wrong, it was a directorial nightmare with jump cuts coming out the rear, but if there was one saving grace it would have to be the fight choreography, in particular that of Uwais. It’s not quite enough to save the movie, but it was by far the most satisfactory aspect of it all.
Overall, Mile 22 was an overly complex, lazily written, macho facade of a propaganda piece. It tried too hard to be something it wasn’t and, in the end, suffered greatly because of it. It’s hard to say what hinders the film most — poor directing, banal screenplay, one-dimensional characters, incoherent action — though ultimately each is as disappointing as the other, and what results is a film worth little beyond a Youtube action montage appreciation. Even if you love high-budget visceral action, it’s not worth investing the 94-minutes taken up by this movie. I find it hard recommending Mile 22 to anyone.
will be released in cinemas Australia-wide on August 30, 2018.
Roadshow
review: Max Lyons
Director:
Peter Berg.
Starring:
Mark Wahlberg,
Iko Uwais,
Lauren Cohan,
J. K. Simmons,
Rhonda Rousey,
John Malkovich.
Genre:
Action
Crime
Thriller.
Rating:
MA15+.
Running time:
94 Minutes.
Concise Critique:
By Maxwell M. Lyons
Mile 22 is the latest film by director Peter Berg, working once more with lead actor Mark Wahlberg as they have done so brilliantly in recent blockbuster successes Patriot’s Day (2016) and Deepwater Horizon (2016). Unlike those critically acclaimed features, however, Mile 22 showcases nothing more than the directorial flaws of Berg when it comes to original fiction-based screenplays.
The narrative rests on a simple premise; protect and escort a witness from point-A to point-B, and avoid getting shot. Though nothing original, what results is often at worst a 90-minute action montage of mindless entertainment. Unfortunately for Mile 22, it tried too hard to defy this tradition and ended up taking itself far too seriously with a cornucopia of storylines and plot devices muddying the narrative; unnecessary filler at best, lazy writing at worst.
As for acting, Mark Wahlberg put on a satisfactory performance as American special operations soldier James Silva, embodying the quick-witted, emotionally flat, hilariously hyper-macho Wahlberg we’ve all come to expect from the action star. Sure, it’s a type-cast at this point, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable, nor does it belittle the acting talents of the man himself. Supporting cast included the woefully underutilised real-world badass Ronda Rousey, the token side-character with marital problems played by Lauren Cohan, and action specialist Iko Uwais (star of the popular Raid movie series). Sadly, they also dragged the iconic
J. K. Simmons into the fray. None of their performances were overly noteworthy, though they all played their role as dictated by the poorly written script.
On that note, though acting was mediocre across the board, the true highlight of the film rests in its action scenes. Don’t get me wrong, it was a directorial nightmare with jump cuts coming out the rear, but if there was one saving grace it would have to be the fight choreography, in particular that of Uwais. It’s not quite enough to save the movie, but it was by far the most satisfactory aspect of it all.
Overall, Mile 22 was an overly complex, lazily written, macho facade of a propaganda piece. It tried too hard to be something it wasn’t and, in the end, suffered greatly because of it. It’s hard to say what hinders the film most — poor directing, banal screenplay, one-dimensional characters, incoherent action — though ultimately each is as disappointing as the other, and what results is a film worth little beyond a Youtube action montage appreciation. Even if you love high-budget visceral action, it’s not worth investing the 94-minutes taken up by this movie. I find it hard recommending Mile 22 to anyone.
will be released in cinemas Australia-wide on August 30, 2018.
THE MERGER
Zilla and Brook
RATE: 7/10
The Merger is an Australian made film. The story is very warm and will have you giggle and laugh along the way. I is sad and funny : it contains drama, romance and it is watchable on a very light note. The film will definitely have an impact not only on the local community but on Australians in general. The main actors are not my favourite choice but they are very unique and talented with no doubts.
The action takes place in the town of Bodgy Creek. The population is decreasing, the jobs are harder to find , Thee local footy club is not in a better situation either. Its former coach and the football tar is not living his dream life. He become s a friend with Neil, a boy who recently lost his father. Te strange friendship leads them to new discoveries. The decision is made: together with the boy's mum's help they start building a football team from the refugees.
The messages of the film are clear: love, support of each other, respect, empathy, sympathy, multi-cultural community life .
It is an incredible film worth watching just for its great messages....
Zilla and Brook
RATE: 7/10
The Merger is an Australian made film. The story is very warm and will have you giggle and laugh along the way. I is sad and funny : it contains drama, romance and it is watchable on a very light note. The film will definitely have an impact not only on the local community but on Australians in general. The main actors are not my favourite choice but they are very unique and talented with no doubts.
The action takes place in the town of Bodgy Creek. The population is decreasing, the jobs are harder to find , Thee local footy club is not in a better situation either. Its former coach and the football tar is not living his dream life. He become s a friend with Neil, a boy who recently lost his father. Te strange friendship leads them to new discoveries. The decision is made: together with the boy's mum's help they start building a football team from the refugees.
The messages of the film are clear: love, support of each other, respect, empathy, sympathy, multi-cultural community life .
It is an incredible film worth watching just for its great messages....
BEAST
Icon
review: Susan Reynolds
Beast
Psychological Drama
7.5/10
Starring Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, Trystan Gravelle and Geraldine James. Written and directed by Michael Pearce.
Review by Susan Reynolds
This psychological drama takes place on the unusual location, the attractive Isle of Jersey. The aspect that typifies a small community is evident, that everyone seemingly is aware of each other’s business. In this atmosphere a young woman Mol doesn’t seem to be able to escape the unfortunate event that happened to her as a child when she had been bullied. She’d reacted by stabbing a fellow student with scissors. Thereafter Mol had been home schooled by her mother; a mother who expected her daughter to take an active role in being responsible as an aide to Mol’s father. Mol’s mother was very unlikable; a controlling woman who favored other family members above Mol. Mol seemed to be treated as if doing penance forever for what had happened in the past.
Early in the story along came a rugged stranger Pascal, a born and bred Jersey inhabitant who was a loner and an illegal poacher; an outsider with some suspected criminal past like Mol. Mol and Pascal fell for each other; Adding to the attraction seemed to be her mother’s distain for him; other family members also showed disapproval of her love interest.
Backdrop to the flowering romance was that there’d been a series of murders on the island. As the drama unfolded the two outsiders through their respective dubious pasts seem to be more alienated as suspicion ends up falling on Pascal for the murders.
Mol is a troubled emotional person and her love for Pascal is genuine. Pascal is very amicable and you feel these two should be given a chance. Their joy felt tenable; they’d found one another but did the story allow the romance to continue or were they in fact each other’s own worse enemy?
Most favorable part of the film in my opinion was the realistic chemistry between the very competent lead actors. Upside was they’d made the film feel believable and entertaining. I did enjoy the fact it was filmed in the unique island location.
Downside was that the second half seemed to be somewhat drawn out in my opinion.
Icon
review: Susan Reynolds
Beast
Psychological Drama
7.5/10
Starring Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, Trystan Gravelle and Geraldine James. Written and directed by Michael Pearce.
Review by Susan Reynolds
This psychological drama takes place on the unusual location, the attractive Isle of Jersey. The aspect that typifies a small community is evident, that everyone seemingly is aware of each other’s business. In this atmosphere a young woman Mol doesn’t seem to be able to escape the unfortunate event that happened to her as a child when she had been bullied. She’d reacted by stabbing a fellow student with scissors. Thereafter Mol had been home schooled by her mother; a mother who expected her daughter to take an active role in being responsible as an aide to Mol’s father. Mol’s mother was very unlikable; a controlling woman who favored other family members above Mol. Mol seemed to be treated as if doing penance forever for what had happened in the past.
Early in the story along came a rugged stranger Pascal, a born and bred Jersey inhabitant who was a loner and an illegal poacher; an outsider with some suspected criminal past like Mol. Mol and Pascal fell for each other; Adding to the attraction seemed to be her mother’s distain for him; other family members also showed disapproval of her love interest.
Backdrop to the flowering romance was that there’d been a series of murders on the island. As the drama unfolded the two outsiders through their respective dubious pasts seem to be more alienated as suspicion ends up falling on Pascal for the murders.
Mol is a troubled emotional person and her love for Pascal is genuine. Pascal is very amicable and you feel these two should be given a chance. Their joy felt tenable; they’d found one another but did the story allow the romance to continue or were they in fact each other’s own worse enemy?
Most favorable part of the film in my opinion was the realistic chemistry between the very competent lead actors. Upside was they’d made the film feel believable and entertaining. I did enjoy the fact it was filmed in the unique island location.
Downside was that the second half seemed to be somewhat drawn out in my opinion.
McQUEEN
madman
review: Susan Reynolds
McQueen
10/10
Documentary
Review by Susan Reynolds
Lee Alexander McQueen as a boy had a creative mind, at school in every subject he drew clothing. The opportunity arose for him as a young man age 16 to learn tailoring at Savile Row where he applied himself intently to master the craft and he did it impeccably. Being able to craft a suit in his early career was valuable no doubt but McQueen’s talent and charisma would open doors and his passion was unstoppable. He could deliver he wasn’t just banter He talked his way into a role at age 21 when he went to Milan to work for a designer without speaking any Italian.
He returned to London after a short stint there his ambition was to take his learning further he then enrolled at Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design. His aunt funded his studies and he achieved his MA in fashion design in 1992 age 24. The collection, the culminating project of his degree was inspired by Jack the Ripper, and was purchased by the well-known London stylist and eccentric collector Isabella Blow. Isabella was determined for the world to appreciate his work, they certainly eventually did. McQueen delivered with shock tactics, he was controversial but his visions and resulting shows became more and more were epic.
McQueen in those early days paid for materials for the early shows with his social security cheques and lived on baked beans and soup back home with his parents. But as with everything he seized opportunities with a power force of immense enthusiasm. His passion so spellbinding that in his very early days everyone gravitated to him to work for him so enthralled they worked for no pay.
Within four years of finishing at St. Martins design school McQueen, then 28 years old was named Chief Designer of Givenchy and it was really mainly then about achieving financial security. McQueen’s designs were not received well by the French people initially but that changed. McQueen won British Designer of the Year in 1996, 1997, and 2001, all during his time at Givenchy.
Gucci bought a 51 percent stake in Alexander McQueen's private company in that same year 2001, and provided the capital whereby McQueen could grow his business. 2003, McQueen was declared International Designer of the Year by Council of Fashion in America and the Queen gives him an OBE. 2004 Mc Queen launched his own menswear line 1996-2002 and said the only person wearing them was Robbie Williams.....but his women’s wear soared.
What creativity we are treated to in this film literally mind boggling fashion shows. One can really only think of McQueen’s shows as all encompassing. Concepts brought to fruition came from a very fertile mind. As he said in the movie he didn’t know where they came from sometimes it’s like they are from god. Some people have describe him as a sculptor with or without labels he is an artistic phenomenon.
Success just went from strength to strength but not without taking a toll on McQueen’s mental health. The fun he exuded in the beginning at Givenchy was replaced now by days of mood and unpredictability. The weight of responsibility seemed heavy and he stated in the film others can go home at the end of the day and switch off but I am responsible for these people who work for me some of them with mortgages and bills to pay. It really seemed a treadmill he didn’t know how to get off.
Lee Alexander McQueen commits suicide sadly on the eve of his mother’s funeral February 11, 2010 aged only 40. He had a disturbed mental state and was exacerbated by drugs. He had also taken the death of his mother very badly as she was always the closest person in his life. He also was shaken by the death a few years before of his greatest early supporter Isabella Bow in 2007. His comment about Isabella’s death was “the most valuable thing I learned in fashion” McQueen left a legacy of creative work the world has sadly had to do without his ongoing genius.
**The company continues to this day under the leadership of one of his designers who has become highly acclaimed in her own right, Sarah Burton took over the brand. Sarah designed the dress worn by Catherine Middleton during her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge in 2011.
*2011 also the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City honoured the work of Lee Alexander McQueen.
madman
review: Susan Reynolds
McQueen
10/10
Documentary
Review by Susan Reynolds
Lee Alexander McQueen as a boy had a creative mind, at school in every subject he drew clothing. The opportunity arose for him as a young man age 16 to learn tailoring at Savile Row where he applied himself intently to master the craft and he did it impeccably. Being able to craft a suit in his early career was valuable no doubt but McQueen’s talent and charisma would open doors and his passion was unstoppable. He could deliver he wasn’t just banter He talked his way into a role at age 21 when he went to Milan to work for a designer without speaking any Italian.
He returned to London after a short stint there his ambition was to take his learning further he then enrolled at Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design. His aunt funded his studies and he achieved his MA in fashion design in 1992 age 24. The collection, the culminating project of his degree was inspired by Jack the Ripper, and was purchased by the well-known London stylist and eccentric collector Isabella Blow. Isabella was determined for the world to appreciate his work, they certainly eventually did. McQueen delivered with shock tactics, he was controversial but his visions and resulting shows became more and more were epic.
McQueen in those early days paid for materials for the early shows with his social security cheques and lived on baked beans and soup back home with his parents. But as with everything he seized opportunities with a power force of immense enthusiasm. His passion so spellbinding that in his very early days everyone gravitated to him to work for him so enthralled they worked for no pay.
Within four years of finishing at St. Martins design school McQueen, then 28 years old was named Chief Designer of Givenchy and it was really mainly then about achieving financial security. McQueen’s designs were not received well by the French people initially but that changed. McQueen won British Designer of the Year in 1996, 1997, and 2001, all during his time at Givenchy.
Gucci bought a 51 percent stake in Alexander McQueen's private company in that same year 2001, and provided the capital whereby McQueen could grow his business. 2003, McQueen was declared International Designer of the Year by Council of Fashion in America and the Queen gives him an OBE. 2004 Mc Queen launched his own menswear line 1996-2002 and said the only person wearing them was Robbie Williams.....but his women’s wear soared.
What creativity we are treated to in this film literally mind boggling fashion shows. One can really only think of McQueen’s shows as all encompassing. Concepts brought to fruition came from a very fertile mind. As he said in the movie he didn’t know where they came from sometimes it’s like they are from god. Some people have describe him as a sculptor with or without labels he is an artistic phenomenon.
Success just went from strength to strength but not without taking a toll on McQueen’s mental health. The fun he exuded in the beginning at Givenchy was replaced now by days of mood and unpredictability. The weight of responsibility seemed heavy and he stated in the film others can go home at the end of the day and switch off but I am responsible for these people who work for me some of them with mortgages and bills to pay. It really seemed a treadmill he didn’t know how to get off.
Lee Alexander McQueen commits suicide sadly on the eve of his mother’s funeral February 11, 2010 aged only 40. He had a disturbed mental state and was exacerbated by drugs. He had also taken the death of his mother very badly as she was always the closest person in his life. He also was shaken by the death a few years before of his greatest early supporter Isabella Bow in 2007. His comment about Isabella’s death was “the most valuable thing I learned in fashion” McQueen left a legacy of creative work the world has sadly had to do without his ongoing genius.
**The company continues to this day under the leadership of one of his designers who has become highly acclaimed in her own right, Sarah Burton took over the brand. Sarah designed the dress worn by Catherine Middleton during her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge in 2011.
*2011 also the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City honoured the work of Lee Alexander McQueen.
review by Ivan Lubkov (Sydney)
Unlocking the extravagance of McQueen
McQueen, a movie that reignites the memory of the fascinating designer that changed the definition not only of fashion but entertainment. The movie shows the unmasked life of the extraordinary star whose ideas and visions are still clearly noticeable in modern attire. The movie gives a firsthand view of the artists life from start of his carrier up to his untimely end.
Similar to Alexander’s character the movie goes through the dualistic nature of his character, it gives explanations for some of the catwalk shows that shocked the world. The movie starts off with Highland Rape, one of the early shows that brought attention to the designer. In this work he intended to show the image of a strong yet vulnerable rebellious woman. The angle through wish he presented his vision raised a lot of eyebrows and was a subject of countless critics.
The documentary would be interesting not only for the people that are accustomed with the fashion industry but anyone that appreciates talent and achievement. Alexander had to work simultaneously for at least two brands, his personal McQueen, Givenchy and Gucci. The film shows the ups and downs of his raise in popularity and the contrast of his work for the different designer houses.
The documentary shows how attached Alexander was to the special people in his life. Nothing hurt him more than separation with his friend Isabella Blow, George Forsyth and his mother.
The movie leaves a lot of impressions and thoughts after leaving the theater, it unlocks better appreciation of the work and achievements of people working in fashion industry.
Unlocking the extravagance of McQueen
McQueen, a movie that reignites the memory of the fascinating designer that changed the definition not only of fashion but entertainment. The movie shows the unmasked life of the extraordinary star whose ideas and visions are still clearly noticeable in modern attire. The movie gives a firsthand view of the artists life from start of his carrier up to his untimely end.
Similar to Alexander’s character the movie goes through the dualistic nature of his character, it gives explanations for some of the catwalk shows that shocked the world. The movie starts off with Highland Rape, one of the early shows that brought attention to the designer. In this work he intended to show the image of a strong yet vulnerable rebellious woman. The angle through wish he presented his vision raised a lot of eyebrows and was a subject of countless critics.
The documentary would be interesting not only for the people that are accustomed with the fashion industry but anyone that appreciates talent and achievement. Alexander had to work simultaneously for at least two brands, his personal McQueen, Givenchy and Gucci. The film shows the ups and downs of his raise in popularity and the contrast of his work for the different designer houses.
The documentary shows how attached Alexander was to the special people in his life. Nothing hurt him more than separation with his friend Isabella Blow, George Forsyth and his mother.
The movie leaves a lot of impressions and thoughts after leaving the theater, it unlocks better appreciation of the work and achievements of people working in fashion industry.
LADIES IN BLACK
website
review: Jeanette Russell
This was a great opportunity thank you for the view. A lovely classic story of a reserved schoolgirl who is working in the summer at a department store called Goode's . Leslie who likes to call herself Lisa matures under the direction particularly of Magda. Magda is a manager of a high fashions floor. The other salesladies are Patty and Fay. The movie is about women's lib, and we get to know several European's who impact the lives of these young women. Magda is the main one who influences, the females particularly Lisa introducing her to society as well as grooming her to become quiet the young lady instead of a schoolgirl.
The beguiling plot has been based on a novel by Madeleine St John, which was originally called The women in Black when she wrote it.
Bruce Beresford has done an amazing job of directing this film. Apparently he knew St John who passed away in 2006. He told his university buddy that he would like to make a movie of her terrific book.
A sensational cast is represented in the film We have Susie Porter, Shane Jacobson, Noni Hazlehurst and Ryan Corr who all do a stellar job. Amazing acting ensues from the main characters of Lisa- Angourie Rice, Magda- Julia Ormond, Fay- Rachael Taylor and Patty -Alison McGirr.
A fascinating tale, I highly recommend viewing. It was thoroughly entertaining, charming, humourous and absorbing.
Ladies in Black releases on the 18th of October. A quant, beautifully told story. A must see in my eyes.
http://www.ladiesinblackmovie.com.au
website
review: Jeanette Russell
This was a great opportunity thank you for the view. A lovely classic story of a reserved schoolgirl who is working in the summer at a department store called Goode's . Leslie who likes to call herself Lisa matures under the direction particularly of Magda. Magda is a manager of a high fashions floor. The other salesladies are Patty and Fay. The movie is about women's lib, and we get to know several European's who impact the lives of these young women. Magda is the main one who influences, the females particularly Lisa introducing her to society as well as grooming her to become quiet the young lady instead of a schoolgirl.
The beguiling plot has been based on a novel by Madeleine St John, which was originally called The women in Black when she wrote it.
Bruce Beresford has done an amazing job of directing this film. Apparently he knew St John who passed away in 2006. He told his university buddy that he would like to make a movie of her terrific book.
A sensational cast is represented in the film We have Susie Porter, Shane Jacobson, Noni Hazlehurst and Ryan Corr who all do a stellar job. Amazing acting ensues from the main characters of Lisa- Angourie Rice, Magda- Julia Ormond, Fay- Rachael Taylor and Patty -Alison McGirr.
A fascinating tale, I highly recommend viewing. It was thoroughly entertaining, charming, humourous and absorbing.
Ladies in Black releases on the 18th of October. A quant, beautifully told story. A must see in my eyes.
http://www.ladiesinblackmovie.com.au
THE INSULT FILM TO PAY ATTENTION TO
Palace Films
RATE: 8/10
It is very hard to forgive.
The ego is bigger than the suffering people experience during the "separation" and argument.
I just wanted to thank the film creators for the wise and smart film they produced. It is the biggest mirror for the closed mind. The mind that is not opened to learn nor it is open to let go and exculpate. The mind is bigger than the heart, the heart burst and people with the small hearts die from the heart attacks but they still do not forgive, their children do not learn to forgive. They think they do but they do not. We wars start from one small bitter word, the peace is made with one loving action. Such films are rare these days. They are not collecting money - people walk away from such films. They are afraid to watch themselves. They would rather watch the films with worthless stupid long-legged blondes ...well there is a place for such movies but my life is way too short to waste it on something I will never remember.
The film is a drama, it is also very scary to watch, it is unpredictable, you do not know what the director is offering to you there, around that corner: is he going to kill the main hero or are the main characters are making peace after the fights.
This picture is for many and for everyone: especially those who do no have guts and hearts to forgive. I learnt one thing in life: I will ask for forgiveness even if I am right in friendship Friendship is more valuable to me than my ego. the ego is an illusion so is YOU, my reflection. I want to see you close to me if I feel I am close to you. There is no place in war if we feel good together. I will g and ask the forgiveness first. My reflection will not understand what I do.But I still do it even if she/he is wrong. I only walk away from something that does not represent me anymore. Go , watch and learn.
The film is very intelligent it teaches you. It is deeper than you think when you understand that there is a political conflict a well happening on the background. Th situation between two men can create a new lap in war relationship between two countries.
The soundtrack is amazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYGTYWt59rc
It colors the feelings, it deepens the conflict. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-TGnenvqPg
The music beautifully and tenderfully adds to the acting too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIjLxi8MTck
The actors are amazing . sometimes I felt bewitched completely thinking they play themselves.
It is a very emotional film as well as highly intellectual.
Palace Films
RATE: 8/10
It is very hard to forgive.
The ego is bigger than the suffering people experience during the "separation" and argument.
I just wanted to thank the film creators for the wise and smart film they produced. It is the biggest mirror for the closed mind. The mind that is not opened to learn nor it is open to let go and exculpate. The mind is bigger than the heart, the heart burst and people with the small hearts die from the heart attacks but they still do not forgive, their children do not learn to forgive. They think they do but they do not. We wars start from one small bitter word, the peace is made with one loving action. Such films are rare these days. They are not collecting money - people walk away from such films. They are afraid to watch themselves. They would rather watch the films with worthless stupid long-legged blondes ...well there is a place for such movies but my life is way too short to waste it on something I will never remember.
The film is a drama, it is also very scary to watch, it is unpredictable, you do not know what the director is offering to you there, around that corner: is he going to kill the main hero or are the main characters are making peace after the fights.
This picture is for many and for everyone: especially those who do no have guts and hearts to forgive. I learnt one thing in life: I will ask for forgiveness even if I am right in friendship Friendship is more valuable to me than my ego. the ego is an illusion so is YOU, my reflection. I want to see you close to me if I feel I am close to you. There is no place in war if we feel good together. I will g and ask the forgiveness first. My reflection will not understand what I do.But I still do it even if she/he is wrong. I only walk away from something that does not represent me anymore. Go , watch and learn.
The film is very intelligent it teaches you. It is deeper than you think when you understand that there is a political conflict a well happening on the background. Th situation between two men can create a new lap in war relationship between two countries.
The soundtrack is amazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYGTYWt59rc
It colors the feelings, it deepens the conflict. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-TGnenvqPg
The music beautifully and tenderfully adds to the acting too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIjLxi8MTck
The actors are amazing . sometimes I felt bewitched completely thinking they play themselves.
It is a very emotional film as well as highly intellectual.
JULIET , NAKED FILM TO PAY ATTENTION TO
Roadshow
RATE: 8/10
Happiness is the poison for the creativity.
Juliet, Naked is a very funny romantic and sensitive comedy. It is a parody on people who are the music fans, who idolilze their music loves and whose ideas create the crazy blind people out of them.
The movie is very light and easy to watch. The story is based on the love triangle but it is complicated.... I mean more complicated than you will expect it to be . It is a strange love triangle. A couple is never married, live together for 15 years, no children, no passion, no interest from the man's side to a pretty, very smart and remarkable women. Annie and her boyfriend Duncan are dull in their relationship but the dull-ness comes from the men's side. He does not appreciate what he has in his hands. There is a third character appearing: Tucker Crowe. He is a musician and a song writer, he is invisible for his crazy fans. They are three. There is also Gina but her role is episodic and she entertains Duncan. Duncan is a fan of Tucker's music. Tuckers; career though was bright but short. He vanished from even from his fan's view. Tucker has no idea about Duncan. Duncan though in his turn collects everything possible he can find about his hero : posters, newspapers, magazines. music, more music, he listens to Tucker endlessly. Tucker is Duncan's wife. In reality yes because Annie is neglected. Duncan is keenly administrating Tucker's blog. Duncan gets demo-version of Tucker's album and his emotions go through the roof... He can not stop himself. Annie gets more and more upset: she can not stop him and it irritates her. Annie hates Duncan. She registers herself under a fake name on her boyfriend's website and starts writing to Tucker herself. Suddenly their relationship start to grow big and unexpectedly warm. Want to know more? Watch the film - you will adore it! You will laugh and you will love the music. It is not sweet romantic but it is a good romantic.
Hey ,why Juliet, Naked? This was the name of the last album Tucker wrote.
Roadshow
RATE: 8/10
Happiness is the poison for the creativity.
Juliet, Naked is a very funny romantic and sensitive comedy. It is a parody on people who are the music fans, who idolilze their music loves and whose ideas create the crazy blind people out of them.
The movie is very light and easy to watch. The story is based on the love triangle but it is complicated.... I mean more complicated than you will expect it to be . It is a strange love triangle. A couple is never married, live together for 15 years, no children, no passion, no interest from the man's side to a pretty, very smart and remarkable women. Annie and her boyfriend Duncan are dull in their relationship but the dull-ness comes from the men's side. He does not appreciate what he has in his hands. There is a third character appearing: Tucker Crowe. He is a musician and a song writer, he is invisible for his crazy fans. They are three. There is also Gina but her role is episodic and she entertains Duncan. Duncan is a fan of Tucker's music. Tuckers; career though was bright but short. He vanished from even from his fan's view. Tucker has no idea about Duncan. Duncan though in his turn collects everything possible he can find about his hero : posters, newspapers, magazines. music, more music, he listens to Tucker endlessly. Tucker is Duncan's wife. In reality yes because Annie is neglected. Duncan is keenly administrating Tucker's blog. Duncan gets demo-version of Tucker's album and his emotions go through the roof... He can not stop himself. Annie gets more and more upset: she can not stop him and it irritates her. Annie hates Duncan. She registers herself under a fake name on her boyfriend's website and starts writing to Tucker herself. Suddenly their relationship start to grow big and unexpectedly warm. Want to know more? Watch the film - you will adore it! You will laugh and you will love the music. It is not sweet romantic but it is a good romantic.
Hey ,why Juliet, Naked? This was the name of the last album Tucker wrote.
YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE
website
review : Susan Reynolds
“You were Never Really Here”
Psychological Thriller
9/10
▪ Joaquin Phoenix as Joe
▪ Ekaterina Samsonov as Nina Votto
▪ Alex Manette as Senator Albert Votto
▪ John Doman as John McCleary
▪ Judith Roberts as Joe's Mother
▪ Alessandro Nivola as Governor Williams
Characters
Joe and young girl Nina were on the fringe of society. Both were victims of the wider concept of the system and evil elements that are a part of it. Joe suffered from PTSD from his military service. He is further affected by his involvement with a corrupt powerful public servant and the subsequent events. Nina is a displaced abused vulnerable child a victim of being under control of a person in a position of power.
Joaquin Phoenix was so immersed into the character of Joe that I never once doubted his authenticity Joe’s character has that bad guy/good guy dichotomy which exists in the one person and as a result has a parallel pull over the audience. A shirtless Joe we see several times physically scared and flawed; this amplified his vulnerability. We felt admiration for Joe because he seemed genuine. We were gratified when he used his hammer on the bad guys who were sexually abusing young girls. Perhaps this is because we hold little belief in the context of justice being served when we are thinking of the wider concept of leniency in the courts. The situations Joe found himself in probably drove him further into a state of mental illness having to use violence but at the same time you can’t help feel he’s a hero of sorts.
Story
Joe lives with his aged mother they have a closeness and tenderness together but Joe is struggling with disturbing visions of as a result of his service war service. There’s confronting scenes where the deeply troubled Joe is close to committing suicide using a plastic bag over his head and on another occasion he tampers with the idea of death at his own hand with a knife. He’s popping pills as well in order to function with what he has to do.
Early in the film we learn Joe is a hit man he gets people sorted and in his own words “Yes I can be brutal if I have to be” Joe is hired for a job to retrieve a Senators daughter from an awful situation where she is being held captive for underage sex. Joe got the job done violently in the rescue of the girl from a sleazy boarding house. The situation goes awry thereafter as someone behind the scenes is seeking retribution...people are left dead. Someone wants Joe erased and anyone or anything that links him to this last job. There was more to this Senator than Joe originally thought.
The two Joe and Nina share this common bond of emotional damage, fragility and displacement. Their futures are now interwoven through circumstance in the aftermath of events neither have anyone but each other. “You were never really here” is the sentiment the bad guys have about Joe in order to cover up the crime. But Joe also feels he doesn’t want people to know he was ever really alive so he can safely disappear.
website
review : Susan Reynolds
“You were Never Really Here”
Psychological Thriller
9/10
▪ Joaquin Phoenix as Joe
▪ Ekaterina Samsonov as Nina Votto
▪ Alex Manette as Senator Albert Votto
▪ John Doman as John McCleary
▪ Judith Roberts as Joe's Mother
▪ Alessandro Nivola as Governor Williams
Characters
Joe and young girl Nina were on the fringe of society. Both were victims of the wider concept of the system and evil elements that are a part of it. Joe suffered from PTSD from his military service. He is further affected by his involvement with a corrupt powerful public servant and the subsequent events. Nina is a displaced abused vulnerable child a victim of being under control of a person in a position of power.
Joaquin Phoenix was so immersed into the character of Joe that I never once doubted his authenticity Joe’s character has that bad guy/good guy dichotomy which exists in the one person and as a result has a parallel pull over the audience. A shirtless Joe we see several times physically scared and flawed; this amplified his vulnerability. We felt admiration for Joe because he seemed genuine. We were gratified when he used his hammer on the bad guys who were sexually abusing young girls. Perhaps this is because we hold little belief in the context of justice being served when we are thinking of the wider concept of leniency in the courts. The situations Joe found himself in probably drove him further into a state of mental illness having to use violence but at the same time you can’t help feel he’s a hero of sorts.
Story
Joe lives with his aged mother they have a closeness and tenderness together but Joe is struggling with disturbing visions of as a result of his service war service. There’s confronting scenes where the deeply troubled Joe is close to committing suicide using a plastic bag over his head and on another occasion he tampers with the idea of death at his own hand with a knife. He’s popping pills as well in order to function with what he has to do.
Early in the film we learn Joe is a hit man he gets people sorted and in his own words “Yes I can be brutal if I have to be” Joe is hired for a job to retrieve a Senators daughter from an awful situation where she is being held captive for underage sex. Joe got the job done violently in the rescue of the girl from a sleazy boarding house. The situation goes awry thereafter as someone behind the scenes is seeking retribution...people are left dead. Someone wants Joe erased and anyone or anything that links him to this last job. There was more to this Senator than Joe originally thought.
The two Joe and Nina share this common bond of emotional damage, fragility and displacement. Their futures are now interwoven through circumstance in the aftermath of events neither have anyone but each other. “You were never really here” is the sentiment the bad guys have about Joe in order to cover up the crime. But Joe also feels he doesn’t want people to know he was ever really alive so he can safely disappear.
THE BOOK CLUB
website
review by Roslynn Garwood
The Book Club
Drama/Romance Running Time 1hr 11 mins
Director Bill Holderman
Review Roslynne Garwood-Webb
The Book Club tells a story of 4 life long friends who read the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy as part of their monthly Book Club. In discovering the book, the friends, Diane (Diane Keaton) who is recently widowed ,Vivian (Jane Fonda) who enjoys her men with no strings attached, Sharon (Candice Bergen), who hasn't quite recovered from her decade old divorce, and Carol (Mary Steenburgen) whose 35 year marriage has lost its spark, rediscover themselves and each other as they navigate their own romantic relationships later in their lives. Andy Garcia (Mitchell) is a strong standout and plays an important and significant role for the Character Diane ( Diane Keaton).
With an impressive Veteran Cast of film greats, the film is a light hearted, romantic comedy which delivers many laughs and a few heart warming moments and teaches us that “Love really is Just a word Until Someone Gives It Meaning”.
I Give this film 3 1/2 stars out of 5
website
review by Roslynn Garwood
The Book Club
Drama/Romance Running Time 1hr 11 mins
Director Bill Holderman
Review Roslynne Garwood-Webb
The Book Club tells a story of 4 life long friends who read the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy as part of their monthly Book Club. In discovering the book, the friends, Diane (Diane Keaton) who is recently widowed ,Vivian (Jane Fonda) who enjoys her men with no strings attached, Sharon (Candice Bergen), who hasn't quite recovered from her decade old divorce, and Carol (Mary Steenburgen) whose 35 year marriage has lost its spark, rediscover themselves and each other as they navigate their own romantic relationships later in their lives. Andy Garcia (Mitchell) is a strong standout and plays an important and significant role for the Character Diane ( Diane Keaton).
With an impressive Veteran Cast of film greats, the film is a light hearted, romantic comedy which delivers many laughs and a few heart warming moments and teaches us that “Love really is Just a word Until Someone Gives It Meaning”.
I Give this film 3 1/2 stars out of 5
review by Olga Kirk
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Andy Garcia, Candice Bergen, Craig T. Nelson, Diane Keaton, Don Johnson, Ed Begley Jr., Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Dreyfuss, Wallace Shawn
Summary: Diane (Diane Keaton) is recently widowed after 40 years of marriage, Vivian (Jane Fonda) enjoys her men with no strings attached, Sharon (Candice Bergen) is still working through her decades-old divorce, and Carol's (Mary Steenburgen) marriage is in a slump after 35 years. The lives of these four lifelong friends are turned upside down after reading the infamous "50 Shades of Grey," catapulting them into a series of outrageous life choices.
«Love is just a word until someone gives it meaning»
Hilarious situations, sexy ladies, beautiful views and a fancy successful man with their 50+ life experience are a great example to believe that the next chapter of life can be even better.
No matter how old are you, who are you, where are you. All we need is love.
It’s better to sleep well and let her be loved by Him exactly what the person the Vivian.
The extraordinary experience of Diane is so amazing. It looks like in fairytale!
Carol’s happy ending and sexy dance in a red dress and… not alone!
Strong and smart Sheron at least let herself to have fun and new dating wherever it will go it worth it!
Very girly movie. Reminds me “Sex in Big City” after 35 years)))
Also gives us great motivation to read “50 Shades of Grey” again and understand that is not only about vaginas and sex but about Love!
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Andy Garcia, Candice Bergen, Craig T. Nelson, Diane Keaton, Don Johnson, Ed Begley Jr., Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Dreyfuss, Wallace Shawn
Summary: Diane (Diane Keaton) is recently widowed after 40 years of marriage, Vivian (Jane Fonda) enjoys her men with no strings attached, Sharon (Candice Bergen) is still working through her decades-old divorce, and Carol's (Mary Steenburgen) marriage is in a slump after 35 years. The lives of these four lifelong friends are turned upside down after reading the infamous "50 Shades of Grey," catapulting them into a series of outrageous life choices.
«Love is just a word until someone gives it meaning»
Hilarious situations, sexy ladies, beautiful views and a fancy successful man with their 50+ life experience are a great example to believe that the next chapter of life can be even better.
No matter how old are you, who are you, where are you. All we need is love.
It’s better to sleep well and let her be loved by Him exactly what the person the Vivian.
The extraordinary experience of Diane is so amazing. It looks like in fairytale!
Carol’s happy ending and sexy dance in a red dress and… not alone!
Strong and smart Sheron at least let herself to have fun and new dating wherever it will go it worth it!
Very girly movie. Reminds me “Sex in Big City” after 35 years)))
Also gives us great motivation to read “50 Shades of Grey” again and understand that is not only about vaginas and sex but about Love!
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